Utilize Your Blog as a Powerful Marketing Tool

Tips to help you blog with purposeby Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28

Did you know that every blog post you create is a powerful marketing tool? It can draw readers to your website where they can learn more about you and your books. A blog post infused with personality, well-written content, and benefit to the readers can cause them to follow your blog or explore your website. But first, you have to get them interested in your post.On Facebook, a link to a blog post usually includes a “preview” or the first few lines of the post with a picture from it. Since there are so many bloggers in the world and readers’ time is at a premium, it’s critical that these lines are as attention-grabbing and intriguing as possible. In addition to making the first lines sing, make sure that your title and featured photo are attention-grabbing as well.
Ways to Maximize Your Blog Posts’ First Lines: 1. Begin your post with an intriguing story.Begin a story with lines that won’t let go of your reader. I like stories told in first person because it helps readers to know more about the author. Set up the story well enough so that your post’s reviews hook the readers’ attention, but be sure to leave out enough detail so that they have to visit your site to read more. Make them want to read more!
2. Use short to medium-length sentences.A preview can have about twenty-five words, depending on your blog’s platform. So don’t make the beginning of your blog post too heavy or long-winded with a wordy sentence. I usually use a super short sentence as my first line to stir up curiosity, and then follow it with a medium-length sentence that builds interest. If you use short sentences in the beginning, the reader may think that your post will be easily readable and quick to read. 
3. Study other bloggers’ first lines and see what works.Take thirty minutes to read the previews of other bloggers in your genre. Take note of what makes you want to visit their sites to read the rest of their posts. Do they tell a story, give an alarming statistic, ask a question, or give a beautiful quote? Also notice the wording of their titles and what kind of pictures they use to grab readers’ attention.
4. Appeal to the needs of the reader.In your title, offer a solution to a problem (such as 5 Ways to Survive a Busy Holiday Schedule) and discuss that problem in the first few lines. Ask a question that you plan to answer in the body of the post. If you use a story, make it relatable to the readers, so they can say, “I’ve been there, too.” Always remember what others need to hear and offer some insight, tips, or encouragement.
What draws your attention about a blog post? Share your insights in the comments below, and happy blogging. Make the first few lines of your blog post sing with intrigue, readability, and personality. Make every blog post count.

TWEETABLESUtilize your blog as a powerful marketing tool - @KatyKauffman28 (Click to Tweet)

Ways to maximize the first line of every blog post you write - @KatyKauffman28 (Click to Tweet)

Katy Kauffman is an award-winning author and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies, a ministry which seeks to connect people to God through His Word. She has taught the Bible to women and teens, and has published two Bible studies on winning life’s spiritual battles. Her newest release, Breaking the Chains, is a compilation on how to overcome spiritual bondage. Katy is also an editor and a designer of Refresh Bible Study Magazine. She makes her home near Atlanta, Georgia.